Bill Withers, American Soul Legend Behind Lean On Me, Dies Aged 81

American Soul music legend Bill Withers has died. He died at the age of 81 after suffering heart complications, his family disclosed in a statement on Friday. Withers, real name William Harrison Withers Jr, was widely known for his hit ‘Lean on me me’, as well as the songs ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ and ‘Lovely Day’. His hit tracks have been featured in many TV shows and movies worldwide.

The family statement reads:

We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father. A solitary man with a heart-driven to connect to the world at large, with his poetry and music, he spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other. As private a life as he lived close to intimate family and friends, his music forever belongs to the world. In this difficult time, we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones.

Withers wrote and recorded several other major hits including Use Me and Just the Two of Us. He won three Grammy awards and entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.

Withers is survived by his wife Marcia Johnson and their two children, Todd and Kori.

Watch below, one of Bill Withers performances in 1973 in London. The performance was filmed for broadcast on the BBC. Withers was just three years into his recording career when he headed to London with his band to record the live session. He had only released two studio albums up until that point -1971’s Just As I Am and 1972’s Still Bill

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